Eutelsat Group and Telstra have started the most extensive Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite backhaul technology deployment in Australia to date, which is a huge step forward for the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure. With the help of Eutelsat OneWeb’s state-of-the-art LEO technologies, this ground-breaking project seeks to improve real-time applications like audio and video conversations for Telstra’s distant mobile consumers by revolutionizing connection.
To provide LEO satellite capacity across Australia, the two telecom behemoths inked a comprehensive multi-year deal last year, which is followed by this strategic move. Through a successful audio conversation made over the air utilizing Eutelsat OneWeb‘s LEO network, the partnership has already shown its potential. This achievement would mark the first time a satellite backhaul call on an Australian commercial mobile network has been completed with a guaranteed quality level of service.
The project intends to link Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO network with more than 300 distant mobile base station sites – many of which now depend on satellite backhaul – during the course of the next 18 months. This technical advancement is anticipated to greatly improve Telstra’s capacity to increase mobile coverage, especially when it comes to facilitating the establishment of new sites in remote locations.
Backhaul in Regions Vulnerable to Natural Catastrophes
Co-General Manager of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat Group, Cyril Dujardin, expressed excitement about the collaboration and emphasized the dedication to provide reliable, superior connectivity solutions to clients across Australia. Dujardin emphasized the significance of the partnership with Telstra, an essential player in the investigation and use of upcoming and present communication technologies.
The advantages of the LEO solution in enhancing service quality for clients in rural and distant places were highlighted by Iskra Nikolova, a Telstra Executive for Network and Technology. The LEO network would promise improved connectivity and provide a reliable backhaul option in regions vulnerable to natural catastrophes with reduced latency, faster speeds, and a more consistent user experience. In remote locations, this resilience would play a critical role in preserving connectivity and guaranteeing service quality.
Australia would become one of the first markets to reach full operational status with Eutelsat OneWeb as the technology continues its worldwide ground segment deployment. With this accomplishment, Australians will be able to access the Internet regardless of where they live, setting a new standard for satellite connection and a new age of digital inclusion.
